North Caldwell Resident Ami Talkow Set to Spin for a Cause

Amy Talkow and her team will be just one of the many cyclists spinning in support of Essex County CASA in the 4th annual Spin for a Child.

The event, scheduled for Sunday March 4, raises funds and awareness for Essex County Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA).  CASA, an independent, court-authorized non-profit organization, serves as a foster child's "voice in court", working to ensure that needed services and assistance are made available while helping to move the child to a safe and permanent home.  CASA works through specially trained and supervised volunteers.

Spin for a Child will take place at 3Sixty Cycling Studio in Montclair, a fitness and cycling studio co-owned by Mark Cohen, makeup artist Bobbi Brown and her husband Steven Plofker.  Over the past three years the event has raised over $183 thousand for CASA. 

"We are so proud to have been part of Spin for a Child from the very beginning.  This is the real deal.  The dollars raised at this event go directly to ensuring that these kids have a CASA, a voice and guiding hand through the system," stated Cohen.

Bonnie Carter, Chairman, Essex County CASA Board of Trustees and Co-Chair, Spin for a Child added, "In this continually challenging economic environment, when funding from all sources is decreasing substantially, Spin is more crucial to our operations than ever before."

For returning Spin participant, Robin Weiner Renteria, a foster family participant who has fostered four children and adopted one child, participating in Spin for a Child is crucial for fundraising.  "There are more than 2,300 foster children in Essex County.  Only about a third of them have a CASA.  That means that two thirds do not have a dedicated voice.  My family and I find this unacceptable.  So we participate in Spin for a Child," Renteria stated.

In addition to the spin sessions, participants can also choose a hip hop cardio class.  With teenagers representing 35% of the children served by Essex County CASA, the 2012 event features a Teens4Teen component that will allow teens to participate as a spinner or hip hop dancer.

As noted by Carter, "100% of every dime donated goes to serving the kids.  All event costs are covered through generous donations and sponsorships."

Spin times for the March 4 event are either from 12:30-1:30 p.m. or 1:45-2:45 p.m.  Hip Hop Cardio is offered from 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Participants are urged to join as an individual spinner or form a team with friends, family and co-workers.  Interested volunteers or donors can sign up at www.spinforachild.org or call 973-648-3308.